GUARD Archaeology – Archaeological Consultancy, Fieldwork & Heritage Management

GUARD Archaeology Limited is a specialist archaeological consultancy and fieldwork organisation delivering archaeological investigation, historic environment assessment, heritage management, building recording and post-excavation research throughout Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Working for developers, infrastructure providers, public bodies, local authorities, conservation professionals, community groups and private individuals, GUARD offers integrated archaeological services from early planning advice through field investigation, specialist analysis and publication.

The organisation traces its origins to archaeological services within the University of Glasgow from 1989 and began independent trading in January 2011. GUARD became employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust in 2020. It is a Registered Organisation of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), providing an independently recognised framework for professional standards, competence and ethical archaeological practice.

Archaeological Consultancy and Heritage Planning

GUARD advises on archaeological and cultural heritage matters affecting planning applications, infrastructure investment, construction, regeneration, historic buildings and changes in land use. Its consultants examine the heritage potential and constraints of sites, assess the likely effects of proposed works and develop proportionate investigation and mitigation programmes.

Services extend from initial advice and archaeological risk appraisal to specialist assessments, negotiations over archaeological conditions, planning inquiry evidence and the management of programmes of archaeological fieldwork. This allows archaeological considerations to be identified early, reducing avoidable uncertainty during design and construction.

• Archaeological and historic environment desk-based assessments.
• Cultural heritage input to Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Historic map, aerial photograph and archival research.
• Archaeological potential and development risk assessments.
• Heritage planning and archaeological mitigation advice.
• Scheduled Monument Consent application support.
• Written Schemes of Investigation and project specifications.
• Planning inquiry, appeal and expert evidence support.
• Negotiation of archaeological requirements with planning authorities.

Archaeological Evaluations, Excavations and Watching Briefs

GUARD delivers the full range of archaeological field investigations required before or during development. These include trial trench evaluations, targeted excavations, open-area excavation and archaeological watching briefs undertaken alongside groundworks or construction operations.

Evaluation helps determine the presence, extent, character, significance and preservation of archaeological remains. Where further investigation is necessary, GUARD can develop and implement appropriate excavation strategies in consultation with the client and the relevant archaeological adviser. Watching briefs provide archaeological monitoring where excavation or construction might encounter buried historic remains.

Its fieldwork teams work across archaeological periods, from prehistoric settlement and burial sites to Roman, medieval, post-medieval, industrial and modern remains. Recorded findings can be taken through specialist analysis, reporting, archiving and publication, supporting the discharge of archaeological planning conditions where agreed by the relevant authority.

Historic Building Recording and Architectural Archaeology

Historic building recording is a particularly important part of GUARD's service for the heritage conservation sector. Alterations, refurbishment, repair, demolition or adaptive reuse of older buildings may require archaeological recording before works commence, especially when significant historic fabric may be concealed, changed or removed.

GUARD undertakes standing building surveys, architectural recording and analysis to document the form, fabric, construction sequence and development of historic structures. Its team works with planning authority archaeologists to establish an appropriate recording strategy and can collaborate with conservation architects on the treatment of historic buildings and matters associated with listed building consent.

Survey outputs can include written descriptions, photographs, measured records, annotated drawings and interpretative reports. These provide a lasting record of historic buildings and can inform the conservation or reuse of structures such as houses, churches, agricultural buildings, industrial sites and other parts of the built heritage.

Archaeological Landscape Surveys and Digital Recording

GUARD provides measured, topographical and archaeological landscape surveys of standing and earthwork remains. Such investigations may be required in urban areas, upland landscapes, designed landscapes and sites where historic features remain visible above ground.

Survey specialists use digital data capture, computer-aided drawing and Geographical Information Systems to prepare archaeological maps, plans, illustrations and analytical reports. These records can assist heritage interpretation, inform planning decisions and document significant historic landscapes before change occurs.

GUARD's professional register also identifies access to geophysical survey services through external provision, allowing an appropriate programme to be assembled where non-intrusive investigation is useful.

Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology

GUARD has specialist experience in battlefield archaeology and the archaeological investigation of places associated with historic conflict. Investigations can combine documentary research, landscape analysis, fieldwalking, systematic metal-detecting, geophysical survey, test pits, trial trenching and targeted excavation.

The practice undertakes site assessments and management plans for historic battlefields and has worked with the University of Glasgow's Centre for Battlefield Archaeology. Published case studies include work associated with Bannockburn, Flodden and Cambuskenneth Abbey.

Osteoarchaeology and Archaeological Human Remains

GUARD's in-house osteoarchaeological specialists provide the identification, recovery, recording, analysis and interpretation of archaeological human remains. They can advise on the ethical, technical and legal considerations that arise when human remains are encountered unexpectedly during development or deliberately investigated as part of an archaeological project.

Their work includes prehistoric burials, inhumations, cremations, disarticulated remains and later burial contexts. Analysis may contribute evidence about age, biological sex estimation, health, disease, burial practices and past communities, subject to the preservation and nature of the remains.

Post-Excavation Assessment and Specialist Analysis

Archaeological excavation is only one stage in understanding the historic environment. GUARD provides comprehensive post-excavation assessment, finds processing, specialist study, illustration, reporting and publication to ensure that the results of investigation are properly analysed and communicated.

The company offers services for its own excavations and for projects completed by other archaeological organisations. Its in-house specialists work alongside external experts where particular materials or scientific investigations require additional expertise.

Available specialist services include:

• Prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval pottery analysis.
• Worked stone, lithics, metalwork, slag, glass and coin studies.
• Archaeological soil sample processing and environmental analysis.
• Charcoal identification, pollen and charred plant remains analysis.
• Faunal bone and archaeological human remains studies.
• Radiocarbon dating and isotope analysis coordination.
• Soil micromorphology and multi-element analysis.
• Archaeological artefact and site illustration.
• Specialist reports, archaeological archives and publications.

Heritage Interpretation, Publications and Community Engagement

GUARD also works to make archaeological discoveries accessible to communities, researchers, schools, project stakeholders and the wider public. Its capabilities include archaeological illustration, graphic design, interpretation displays, leaflets, brochures, educational materials, project websites and research publications.

Community projects and outreach can connect local residents and volunteers with archaeological investigation and the history of their surroundings. The company also supports professional training and student placements in archaeological fieldwork, post-excavation techniques, finds processing and recording.

Research Across Scotland's Historic Environment

GUARD's published work demonstrates experience across a broad chronological and geographical range. Recent research reported by the company includes the discovery of a previously unknown Roman Antonine Wall fortlet at Bearsden, evidence of a Bronze Age settlement at Erskine, post-medieval trade through Leith and medieval iron smelting near Loch Eck in Argyll.

Archaeology for Conservation and Sustainable Development

Archaeological knowledge is central to the responsible management of the historic environment. For conservation-led projects, appropriate archaeological assessment and building recording can identify significant evidence, inform design decisions and help establish how historic fabric or buried remains should be treated.

Early investigation is particularly useful for the repair and reuse of historic properties, urban redevelopment, infrastructure projects and works near scheduled monuments or archaeological sites. By documenting sites carefully and working with heritage authorities, archaeologists can help reconcile necessary change with the protection, understanding and interpretation of cultural heritage.

GUARD's ability to combine consultancy, site investigation, building recording, specialist analysis and public reporting makes it a useful partner for conservation architects, planners, engineers, building owners and construction teams seeking coordinated heritage advice.

Professional Registration and Project Delivery

GUARD Archaeology is a CIfA Registered Organisation. Its services are delivered within a framework of professional archaeological standards and guidance, with project approaches tailored to archaeological significance, site conditions, planning requirements, programme and budget.

Regional Offices and Geographical Coverage

GUARD operates from Glasgow and the Edinburgh area and undertakes projects throughout Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The practice may be approached for individual development sites, major infrastructure and construction programmes, historic building projects, research assignments and community archaeological initiatives.

Contact GUARD Archaeology Limited

To discuss archaeological planning requirements, evaluation, excavation, watching briefs, historic building recording, battlefield archaeology, osteoarchaeology or post-excavation work, contact GUARD Archaeology.

Glasgow: 52 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark Street, Glasgow G51 3TR. Telephone: 0141 445 8800.

Edinburgh-area office: EH20 Business Centre, 6 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Midlothian EH20 9LZ. Telephone: 0131 448 1050.

Email: info@guard-archaeology.co.uk

Website: www.guard-archaeology.co.uk